playing with my hamster

[tomsudz93]

hi i have been wondering how to "play" with my hamster it may seem a stupid question please help me thnx

[newtohamsters]

I just let mine bimble about on their own, in a play pen or a ball (20minutes at a time)

my rats will chase things but the hamsters just look at me like I am mad. (which may well be true ) I do use a maze too, and hide sunflower seeds around it.

Last night i cut up a toilet roll tube and filled it with sweet corn and a grape covered it in kitchen roll. Willow loved it.

some times I think people can "train them" to walk from place to place?

xx

[heleni0]

Pip likes to use me as a climbing frame, and i'll hide treats about my person (up my sleeve/in my pocket etc.) and she'll go around trying to find them.

[tomsudz93]

thanks for the advise ill try it

[Gust0o]

A typical playing session normally unfolds like this:

- Play with hamster in cage - unclip the top off the cage, let them play with my hand. This is normally just stroking, or moving their toys with them.

- Ball time - about 30mins

- Out and about - normally a quick free-range over the couch, or a quick climb on me or Al! I normally let them run from hand to hand, which is a staple of hamster play.

[tomsudz93]

is there a technique of getting your hamster tame enough to stroke him and him not running but i know its there natural reaction to be curious and search around but is it all to do with time ive had him for 4 days and im able to handle him fine with out him being scared as such if you know what i mean

[Spuds Mum]

Just taking it slow really Tom, and making sure they know you are there before just reaching a hand down - anyone would run or bite at a giant hand coming at them.

Youve only had him four days - I think he is going to be a lovely tame boy, just keep talking to him, picking him up, stroking him and maybe trying to feed him a tasty treat while he is in your hand always helps to build up trust.

Remember though, if he is not too well at the moment, give him an evening off.

[Gust0o]

Four days is such a very short period of time - especially in terms of taming. It's a process which can take days, yes; but can also take weeks and months.

I would suggest playing with them in the cage - by having your hand in the cage, by having you close, they get used to you; and by playing and providing treats, they'll bond. They build positive associations, and will shed their natural fear of you.

It's a matter of repeating this, again and again - then escalating, gradually, to picking the animal up; to moving out of the cage - that will finalise the taming.

It just takes time

[tomsudz93]

im at my friends tonight so jaffa has the night off

[Spuds Mum]

Oh is he definitely Jaffa? bless him, and of course he is the same colour (ish) as the outside of a jaffa cake

Welcome Jaffa, hope your tummy feels better soon, cant wait to see more of you